Computer science study guide

Exposure Equation

$$\text{Bewilderment} + \text{Exposure} = \text{Obvious}$$

Three advantages of computers over humans

Faster execution speed, higher accuracy, inability to forget.

Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI)

The current stage of artificial intelligence, designed for specific tasks.

Binary representation

All digital information is stored using binary, with $1 = \text{ON}$ and $0 = \text{OFF}$.

Bit

A binary digit, the smallest unit of data in a computer.

Byte

A unit of data comprised of $8 \text{ bits}$.

ASCII

A 7-bit character encoding standard, where standard characters fit into $1 \text{ byte}$.

Morse Code

A system of transmitting information using patterns of short and long signals.

ROM

Read Only Memory, stores permanent information.

RAM

Random Access Memory, stores temporary data that disappears when powered off.

CPU

Central Processing Unit, the brain of the computer that performs calculations.

ENIAC

The first electronic general-purpose computer, using over 17,000 vacuum tubes.

Microchips

Integrated circuits evolved from transistors containing billions of transistors.

Digital signals

Stores precise numerical representations that can be duplicated without loss.

Application Software

Software designed to perform specific user-oriented tasks, such as word processors.

System Software

Software required for the proper functioning of computer hardware, including the Operating System.

Compiler

Translates an entire source code into machine-executable files before execution.

Interpreter

Translates and executes source code line-by-line during runtime.

FORTRAN

A programming language specifically built for scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

COBOL

Designed for commercial business applications.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

A programming paradigm based on the concept of objects.

IPv4

The fourth version of the Internet Protocol, widely used for identifying devices on a network.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network that connects computers in a limited geographical area.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

A company that provides access to the Internet.

USB drive ejection

Must be properly ejected to prevent data corruption.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

A standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another.

Taskbar

The Windows equivalent of the Mac Dock.

Finder

Mac equivalent of Windows' file navigation system.